The Schmooze lies at the intersection of high and low culture. Here, the latest developments and trends in Jewish art, books, dance, film, music, media, television and theater are all assimilated into one handy pop culture blog.
The Schmooze
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Why ‘Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them’ is an Allegory About Anti-Semitism and Fear
(JTA) — The first spin-off from the Harry Potter film series, “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them,” is a thrilling and at times darkly sinister adventure. The movie, which launched a new five-film franchise with new characters, has already cast a spell over Potter fans, raking in a box office best $75 million in…
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When David Blaine Stuck Steel Nails up His Nose for Jon Stewart
It’s not clear why our friends at Digg just re-surfaced this appearance by David Blaine on Jon Stewart’s eponymous MTV show from 1993. Perhaps it’s because this election year has felt like we’ve all been stuffing six inch steel nails up our noses. But on a show (October 27, 1993) filled only with Jewish guests…
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The New ‘Gilmore Girls’ Was One Big Disappointment
I was counting the days until the “Gilmore Girls” reboot dropped on Netflix. I obsessively read reviews, made very specific plans to watch with friends for the day of and decided exactly what snack I wanted to eat during (leftover pumpkin pie and coffee ice cream). There was nothing more exciting than the idea of…
The Latest
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Egyptian Movie Star Reveals He is Jewish
(JTA) — If an actor talked about his Jewishness in an interview in the United States, he wouldn’t make headlines. But in Egypt — where levels of anti-Semitism are high and Jews are often ridiculed in TV shows and other aspects of popular culture — that kind of revelation is a big deal. Karim Kassem,…
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We Found the Ultimate Chrismukkah Gift This Year
If you’re planning on celebrating Christmas and Hanukkah this year, there’s really only one thing you need to buy. Yup, for all you fans of “The OC,” pull a Seth Cohen and don this Santa themed yarmulke. It’ll make for an excellent start to Chrismukkah. Do you have any other hilarious Chrismukkah gift ideas? Send…
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5 Amazing Chrismukkah Gifts to Give This Season
Christmas and Hanukkah are fast approaching—and for those of you who celebrate both holidays, boy do we have some presents for you. Here’s a few of the best Chrismukkah gifts that the internet has to offer. Etsy, $50.00 Etsy, $9.50. Zazzle, $22.30 Etsy, $16.00 Etsy, $20.00
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Ivanka Trump Tries to Distance Herself From Her Lifestyle Brand
Ivanka Trump is taking a break from her brand. At least, when it comes to social media. The business mogul’s editorial team posted a note on IvankaTrump.com last week, explaining the changes readers could expect now that Trump has taken an active role in her father’s transitional team. “Our company’s mission is not political—it never…
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Gabrielle Union Talked to Lena Dunham About ‘White Girl Privilege’
Gabrielle Union is checking white celebrities on their privilege. In an interview with Harper’s Bazaar, the “Birth of a Nation” actress touched on a productive conversation she had with Lena Dunham about “white girl privilege.” Union added that she would also like to dialogue with Amy Schumer and Kate Upton on similar issues. The actress…
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WATCH: 4 Heartwarming Covers of Hatikvah to Get You Through the Cold Winter
As the temperature drops, make yourself a steaming mug of something sweet, kick back, and enjoy these lovely takes on the Israeli national anthem. Last year, Accent Vocal released this heartwarming rendition of Hatikvah, the Israeli National anthem: In 2012, the Forward asked Neshama Carlebach to launch a musical conversation about whether the words of…
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A Gilmore Girls Revival, Philip Glass’s “Ankhaten,” And 7 Other Things To Read, Watch, And Do This Weekend
On the brink of Thanksgiving, your mind is likely on the holiday – its pleasures and stresses alike – but find some time this week to indulge in great new reads, the long-heralded return of Amy Sherman Palladino’s “Gilmore Girls,” and, if you can drag yourself off your couch, concerts and plays in Chicago, Los…
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5 Weirdest, Most Expensive Gifts Jewish Celebrities Have Given
Hanukkah is coming up, and as you’re busy debating what to spring for your sibling on Amazon, celebrities have far bigger fish to fry. From Drake to Chelsea Handler, there have been some pretty unusual star-studded gift exchanges — ranging from incredibly expensive to downright weird. Here are just a few of our favorites. File…
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Fast Forward Why the Antisemitism Awareness Act now has a religious liberty clause to protect ‘Jews killed Jesus’ statements
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Culture Trump wants to honor Hannah Arendt in a ‘Garden of American Heroes.’ Is this a joke?
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Fast Forward The invitation said, ‘No Jews.’ The response from campus officials, at least, was real.
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Opinion A Holocaust perpetrator was just celebrated on US soil. I think I know why no one objected.
In Case You Missed It
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Fast Forward A Jewish city attorney is going after pro-Palestinian protesters. Her Oct. 7 tweets are making it complicated.
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Fast Forward Kehlani responds to Cornell concert cancellation: ‘I am not antisemitic’
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Fast Forward David Horowitz, ’60s radical turned right-wing firebrand and critic of Islam, dies at 86
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News Pro-Nazi singer sells out Zagreb arena as Croatia’s collaborationist past sheds its taboo
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